06:54 PM MST on Monday, March 28, 2005

Associated Press

BOISE -- A bill that won unanimous support from both the state House and Senate was signed into law by the governor today.

The new state law makes it a felony to intentionally abuse, exploit or neglect a vulnerable adult.

Governor Dirk Kempthorne says the bill filled a gap in the state's penal code.

Previously, it was only a misdemeanor crime against those who hurt disabled adults or the elderly.

Spokesman for the Idaho Sheriff's Association Michael Kane says that gap caused frustration for both victims and law enforcement.